Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) training
Responding to a disaster is a vital part of who we are as members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Responding to a disaster allows a congregation to confess Christ to their community, region and world in ways they may have never before considered.
LERT Volunteer Site — Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) has a new website to connect LCMS Disaster Response volunteers at the local and national level.
- Lutheran Early Response Team training events — LCMS congregations may host Disaster Response training for individuals in their area to join a Lutheran Early Response Team. LERT is a network of volunteers trained to respond in times of disaster. Learn how to set up a training event.
- Youth in disaster response — Learn about youth involvement in Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) trainings and deployments.
- FEMA’s “When Disaster Strikes ... How to Donate or Volunteer Successfully” — We know your heart is moved by love and compassion for those hurting, but please first consider these seven best practices — including that “used clothing is rarely a useful item to collect for disaster response.” Learn more in this LCMS Disaster Response recommended resource from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
- Flood Relief Buckets — The LCMS Disaster Response flood relief project engages LCMS congregations, districts and other groups in an outreach ministry to provide pre-assembled flood relief buckets to flood and hurricane survivors as part of a disaster preparedness plan.
- Survival Kit Project — LCMS Disaster Response’s ‘survival kit’ project engages LCMS congregations and LWML societies in an outreach ministry to provide each member with a ‘survival kit’ as part of a disaster preparedness plan.
District Disaster Response Coordinators
Grant Application Forms
Recommended Government Preparedness Websites
Quick References In Times of Disaster
Mercy Essays
LCMS Disaster Response offers free essays on different aspects of mercy. These essays are available for download.
Mercy Essays Series: Christ’s Mercy
Readers will learn about mercy’s roots in the Old Testament, how to make the case for showing mercy in the world, the vocation of Christians as it pertains to showing care to the neighbor and even what it means to be a Lutheran engaging in acts of mercy in today’s social ministries.
Read essays
Spanish Resources
Spanish resources are available on mercy, human care and disaster response, including booklets written by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther and Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison.
Bible Study and Devotions
Lutheran Early Response Team Training
View more Spanish Resources
Worship Resources
Devotional Booklets
LCMS Disaster Response provides devotional booklets — which include Bible passages, meditations, prayers and hymns — to bring God’s comfort and peace during a crisis.
Online Resources